PAWWS
to Heal offers trust, support, encouragement, patience and unconditional
love from animals for children to begin healing from physical
and sexual abuse, emotional and behavioral trauma and to help
cope with physical disabilities.

PAWWS to Heal is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization dedicated
to children and animals. Through interactive animal therapy and
animal assisted activity, our services strengthen and improve
the lives of children as they continue their journey of healing.

Have you ever had the chance to witness the calmness, smiles,
excitement and pure enjoyment a child receives when he/she isinteracting
with an animal? PAWWS to Heal uses that animal magic as a tool
to create and achieve positive goals for children who have endured
abuse, emotional and behavioral tramua and those who are coping
with physical disabilities.

Our Vision

We are currently operating as an outreach organization in Dane
County, Wisconsin. Our vision is to acquire an on-site facility
where we can provide children on-site human therapists and a wider
range of therapy animals and programs.

The on-site facility would be on 2-5 acres with buildings to
house domestic livestock, reptiles, birds, and a small collection
of exotic animals. We envison having therapy sessions both outside
and inside, as well as having a "ranch day" where kids can come
to be kids and help clean, feed and bathe the animals.

Our Board of Directors

Toni Schriver, RVT - Executive Director and Founder of PAWWS
to Heal

I'm an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse. While struggling
with feelings of fear, anger and confusion the only true comfort
I found was with animals.

As
an adult I struggled with self-destructive tendencies. In 1988
I earned my degree as an Animal Health Technician allowing me
to give the gift of healing back to animals. Knowing animals had
played a huge part in my life successes, it felt only right to
take that life experience and develop programs that could be used
with animals in a structured way to assist therapists working
with children coping with abuse or physical disabilities.

Out of that experience, the concept of PAWWS To Heal was born.
With help from professional counselors, physical therapists and
my expertise, children will have a safe path in their journey
through life in a pawwsitive way.

Julie Ann David - Vice President

Julie has 25 + years experience as a successful business owner
in the Madison, WI area. She contributes strong ideas in public
relations, fundraising and business. She also serves as the organization's
photographer.

Laura Allen - treasurer

Laura has 20+ years experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician
and is a certified childrens yoga instructor. She had a sucessful
business in computers for 10 years. She brings her business, marketing,
and public relations experience to PAWWS as well as her spritual
energy.

Barbara J. Schriver

Now retired, Barbara was a biologist for the state of Wisconsin
for over 35 years. She currently volunteers in the public school
system to teach mentally challenged children to read. She has
put together fundraising events and is strong in public relations.
She contributes ideas for fundraising, and special events for
PAWWS To Heal.

Michelle Longeran

Michelle has 5 + years experience as a successful business owner
in the Madison area. Her expertise is in marketing, accounting,
fundraising and public relations.

Genevieve Pell

Genevieve Pell is a graduate from UW-Madison with a BS in Agricultural
Business Management. She currently works part-time as a dog trainer
for Dogs Best Friend Training in Madison, WI and has an
extensive history in dog and horse behavior/care/training. Working
with Toni, she helps in developing our animal assisted therapy
programs, works one-on-one with our children, and contributes
in our fundraising efforts. Genevieve is also the owner of one
of our therapy dogs, Winnie.

Our Mission

PAWWS to Heal offers Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted
Activity to children healing from abuse and to help cope with
physical disabilities.